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Traveling as a FUR-mily

Monday 14thJan 2019

This month our PAW-fect partner Skinner's Pet Foods has written us a guest blog on how to make travelling with your pet as stress-free as possible. If you're thinking about visiting the Suffolk countryside with your pooch this year, make sure you read on for some top tips:

The thought of traveling with your dog can sometimes be a daunting concept, but reading through our top tips for a safe and hassle-free trip will help put your mind at rest before you make that decision as to whether your pooch is ready for a road-trip!

Suffolk, the home of Skinner’s Pet Foods, is a lovely place to get away for a ‘stay-cation’ rather than traveling abroad PLUS it’s easy to take your dog along too! The mile-long stretches of coastline and long forest walks will be sure to please your dog. Suffolk Cottage Holidays offer a wide range of dog-friendly properties which means you don’t need to leave your FUR-mily member at home. You can view the Suffolk Cottage Holiday's dog-friendly properties to book Suffolk retreat today!

Here are our top 10 tips for traveling with your four-legged friend...

1. Create a comfy nest for your dog

Gather together some of their favorite blankets and toys so they feel right at home for the journey which will help reduce stress levels.

2. Research the area you are traveling to and stops along the way

Make sure you know the route and have decided where could be suitable toilet stops for your dog (and you!) along the way to avoid the panic if your pooch needs to go! Also make sure you know where the nearest vet practices are along the way in case you ever have to make the dreaded trip…

3. Limit food before the journey

Try and feed a good couple of hours before the journey to ensure that your dog does not feel travel sick at all or need the toilet that soon into leaving. Having a good walk beforehand can also help, as your dog will probably enjoy a nice nap after.

4. Let the transport companies know if you are taking any other transport other than your car

Dogs may not be allowed on some transport, so make sure you double check before setting off!

5. Keep a doggy first aid kit in your car, just in case of an emergency!

Just in case you should ever have to use it, it can be useful as well to keep your dogs medication separate from your own, and anything else which could be dangerous if they get mixed up.

What we suggest putting in your first aid kit:

Torch

Muzzle

Water bowl

Duck tape/electrical tape

Plastic gloves

Antiseptic solution

Cotton wool

Bandages

Non-adhesive padding

Elastic bands

Scissors

Tweezers

6. Buy a doggy car organiser to help you stay on top of what you should bring with you on your trip

It may remind you when you a running low on something! Handy for needing to grab something quick- such as a poo bag!

What we suggest putting in your organiser:

Vaccination records

Lead

Collar

Harness

Poo bags

Food

Water bottle

Toy

Towel

7. Keep paws and heads inside the windows at all times!

You never know what might get caught in your dog’s eyes, ears or mouth when they have their head out the window! As well as this is it can cause damage to your dogs delicate ears depending on the speed you are traveling at. Dogs can also get caught in the window and if electric could accidentally stand on the button which could be fatal.

8. Take a few short test drives before the main trip

This can help slowly ease into the big journey and get your dog used to traveling in the car

9. Provide your dog with something to do in the car to keep their mind active

It may be their favorite toy they enjoy nibbling on, its just something to keep them occupied for a time where they cannot get up and run around! We recommend taking along a Chuckit Ball and a Kongwhich you can fill with something tasty to keep them busy!

10. Don’t forget your dogs favourite Skinner’s!

Field & Trial 2.5kg bags are a great size to travel with take a look at our range here, a non spill travel water bowl is also a very handy investment!

It's important to make sure you feel it is the right thing for your pet to travel. Some dogs may just not be suited to traveling at all due to illness, old age or anxiety, so in these cases, it is best to re-evaluate and decide whether either a house sitter or going to kennels would be a better option.